Tenerife in 10 Stops: A Dream for Nature, Wine & Food Lovers
Tenerife completely surprised me. I knew it would be beautiful but I wasn’t expecting the wild mix of microclimates, volcanic landscapes, and some of the best wine and food I’ve had in a long time. If you’re someone who loves slow mornings with ocean views, a good bottle of red, salty swims, and winding roads that lead to jaw-dropping places—this island is for you. Here are 10 stops that made me fall in love with Tenerife:
1. Stay at Barceló Santiago Adults Only
We based ourselves on the southwest coast of the island, and Barceló Santiago was the perfect home base. The views of Los Gigantes cliffs from our room were to die for! The whole atmosphere was so quiet and peaceful, making it easy to truly unwind. We chose the all-inclusive package, and it was more than worth it—not only for the food and drinks, but also for the out-of-this-world customer service that made us feel completely cared for from start to finish.
The views from the infinity pool were unreal, and we loved being walking distance to so many restaurants and sunset spots. It’s modern, peaceful, and a great jump-off point for day trips.
When we first arrived, when met a few couples that were staying at the all inclusive for a week and not leaving the property. Although, we chose to adventure around the island, I can’t blame anyone for not wanting to leave Barcelo Santiago, it was that amazing.
2. Los Gigantes
These towering sea cliffs are a must-see. Whether you admire them from the beach, a boat tour, or your hotel room like we did, they are absolutely stunning. One of the best ways to see them is walking around the entire perimeter of the town — it’s a fun loop that gives you different views of the cliffs at every turn.
You can also walk into town, and can get incredibly close to the cliffs at the marina or by heading down to the beach. If you decide to go in to town, there is a handful of great restaurants and cafés where you can stop for a bite or a drink with those jaw-dropping views as your backdrop. We had drinks at No Solo Vino and dinner at Pura Vida Bar, they were both delicious!
3. Teide National Park
Visiting Spain’s highest peak and the surrounding national park was absolutely otherworldly. The drive up takes you through ever-changing landscapes. First winding pine forests, then stretches of ancient lava fields, until suddenly you’re standing above the clouds. The views are surreal, almost like stepping onto another planet
We did a few different trails and they were all beautiful. Pro tip: Get there early as tour buses start to show up at 9 am, and wear layers—it gets super chilly up there!
4. Masca Village
A tiny mountain town tucked between cliffs, Masca feels like something out of a fairytale. There’s not much to do besides take in the view—but that’s kind of the point. We got there early to avoid the traffic and had the place nearly to ourselves.
Totally worth the winding, nerve-wracking road! Ok but seriously, the drive to Masca is not for the faint of heart — it’s steep, narrow, and full of hairpin turns that hug the mountainside. If you’re not a confident driver, you might want to join a guided tour or hop on a local bus instead of tackling it yourself. The best time to go is in the morning before traffic builds, and definitely avoid weekends if you can, since the road gets crowded.
5. Bodegas Monje
Wine tasting with a view of Mount Teide? Yes, please! We learned how to make traditional mojo sauce in a hands-on class, and wandered through cool, stone-walled cellars lined with barrels of local wine. We then enjoyed a fresh Canarian lunch paired with bold reds and crisp whites—all while gazing out at sweeping ocean views with Teide rising in the distance.
The Monje family has been making wine here for five generations, and the mix of tradition and creativity shows in every sip. We absolutely loved this winery!
6. Natural Swimming Pools
Tenerife is full of volcanic rock pools where the sea rushes in—nature’s own infinity pools.
We only made it to the one in Los Gigantes, but Charco de la Laja and Piscinas de Bajamar are also favorites. Refreshing, stunning, and uniquely Canarian.
7. Anaga Rural Park
If Teide National Park is the wild, volcanic heart of the island, Anaga is its lush, green soul. Located in the northeast, this protected area is full of dramatic ridges, misty forests, and quiet trails that lead to tiny villages and hidden coves. The ancient laurel forest here feels like something out of a dream—cool, quiet, and covered in moss. It’s a total contrast to the rest of the island and absolutely worth the drive.
Before you go: Some routes require permits, and certain areas may be closed to protect the ecosystem, so it’s worth planning ahead.
8. Gorgeous Beaches
We spent most of our time in Tenerife hiking rather than lounging on the beach, but after chatting with locals, here are three beaches they highly recommend checking out: Playa de las Teresitas for its golden sands and calm waters, Playa del Duque for a more luxurious vibe, and Playa de Benijo for stunning black sand and dramatic cliffs. Whether you’re looking to relax, sip a drink by the sea, or take in breathtaking scenery, these spots are worth a visit! This photo below is of Playa del Duque from Pin and Travel.
9. Eat All the Mojo and Papas Arrugadas
Okay, not a “stop” exactly, but it deserves a mention. This simple dish (salt-crusted potatoes with green and red mojo sauce) became an obsession.
As mentioned before, we even took a mojo class and got to make it ourselves—so damn delicious! We tried different versions at nearly every meal and never got tired of it.
10. Let Yourself Wander
Some of our favorite moments came from unplanned stops—like a roadside fruit stand, a tiny village café, or a hike we found by accident. Tenerife rewards curiosity. One of the best parts? How easy it is to drive around the island. Renting a car was simple and affordable, and it gave us the freedom to explore at our own pace. Within an hour, you can go from a sunny beach to a misty forest to a volcanic lookout. The microclimates shift dramatically—making it feel like you’re traveling across continents in a single afternoon. It’s an island made for wandering, and every turn of the road reveals something new.
Final Thoughts:
Tenerife is more than a sunny escape—it’s where mountains meet the sea, vineyards pour wine with heart, and nature steals the show at every turn. For nature lovers, foodies, wine sippers, or anyone seeking something a little different, this island is an absolute dream.
Thanks so much for reading! I hope you get the chance to experience the beauty of Tenerife someday! If you’d like to keep exploring with me, click here to check out more of my adventures!
